Did you know that unhealthy foods like candy and soda can lead to cavities in kids’ teeth? While your kid may enjoy eating them, teaching them healthy food choices is essential.
Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and feed on sugary foods. The bacteria produce acid that attacks the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Candy and soda are particularly damaging because they contain high levels of sugar. Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps to reduce the risk of cavities. So encourage your kids to make healthy choices!
Foods That Are Bad For Children’s Dental Health
Starchy Food
As any parent knows, children’s dental health is important. Not only does a healthy mouth ensure that children can eat and speak properly, but it also helps prevent cavities and other serious problems. Foods high in starch are particularly bad for dental health, as they can cling to teeth and lead to decay.
Consecutive consumption of starchy foods can also lead to gum disease. Therefore, to ensure that children maintain healthy teeth, limiting their intake of starchy foods is essential. Instead, focus on items like fruits and vegetables, which are not only good for overall health but also help to clean teeth and promote saliva production.
Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits are a healthy and refreshing snack for children but can also damage their dental health. The high acidity levels in citrus fruits can soften and erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities. Citrus fruits can also irritate the gums, causing redness and inflammation. To protect your child’s dental health, it is best to limit their intake of citrus fruits or have them brush their teeth immediately after eating.
Candies And Sweets
Candies and sweets are often a special treat for children, but they can have a negative impact on dental health. The sugar in these treats can contribute to tooth decay, and the sticky texture can cling to teeth and promote the growth of bacteria.
Hard candies can crack or chip teeth and gummy candies can pull out fillings or brackets. Therefore, parents should take care to limit their children’s intake of sugary treats and encourage them to brush their teeth thoroughly afterward. With proper care, children can enjoy candy without sacrificing their dental health.
Sugary Beverages
It is no secret that sugary beverages are bad for your health. But did you know that they can also have a damaging effect on your teeth? When you consume a sugary beverage, the sugar sticks to your teeth and provides a food source for bacteria. The bacteria then produce acid, which attacks the tooth enamel and can lead to cavities.
The acid in sugary beverages can also cause tooth enamel erosion, making teeth more sensitive and susceptible to decay. Sugary drinks can also increase the risk of gum disease by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Good Foods For Children’s Dental Health
There are many foods that can help keep children’s teeth healthy and strong. Here are some of the best options:
- Milk: This classic beverage is not only rich in calcium but also contains phosphates which help to strengthen teeth.
- Cheese: Another good source of calcium, cheese can also help to neutralize acids in the mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Yogurt: Like milk and cheese, yogurt contains calcium and can also help fight gum disease.
- Fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery help to clean teeth and promote saliva production, which helps to keep teeth healthy.
- Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, and other nuts are packed with nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which all contribute to strong teeth.
- Water: Last but not least, water is essential for good dental health. It helps rinse food and bacteria and provides minerals like fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay.
Monroe Dental Office
At Monroe Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer high-quality dental care to patients of all ages. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals provides a variety of services such as teeth cleaning, fillings, crowns, bridges, and more. We accept most insurance plans and offer affordable payment options to make dental care accessible to everyone.
Call us today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve optimal oral health!
Our Dental Practice in Monroe, NC
Monroe Family Dentistry is there for you and your children from day one and we are happy to work with you and your child to start habits from birth. If you live near Monroe, NC call us to schedule an appointment today at 704.776.4278.
These are just some of the services we provide. To learn more about our dental practice in Monroe NC and the services we provide, call us or submit an appointment request.
